Both Obama, Romney have debate hurdles to clear, local experts say

Local political experts, like many across this nation, say tonight's debate in Denver between President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney could be a turning point in this year's presidential election.

Depending on the poll, Obama either has a slight lead over Romney or the two are neck-and-neck.

Mark Grimm of Mark Grimm Communications, a Guilderland public relations firm specializing in public speaking coaching, media relations and message clarity, as well as a former elected official and a political consultant said both candidates will have hurdles to clear as they meet face to face to discuss where they stand on the issues facing this country.

For Obama, it's discussing his record on the economy. Grimm said that is the president's most vulnerable area, and former U.S. Rep. John Sweeney, a Republican, said it is something Obama will want to avoid. And with the questions being raised over his handling of the recent controversy in Libya, Obama's handling of foreign affairs could also be scrutinized.

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"Obama has had problems throughout the cycle where he can't talk about his record of accomplishments because it's a pretty abysmal record," said Sweeney.

Meanwhile, Rensselaer County Democratic Party Chair Tom Wade said he thinks tonight's debate will be similar to the ones held four years ago that he felt showed Obama as the candidate with "superior intellect." He said the problems Obama has faced on the economy are not truly his own but rather something he inherited from the administration of former President George W. Bush.

"He has had to tackle all the most difficult issues during his term," Wade said. "It's hard to resolve all of them in four years. I feel with a second term he will turn those problems around."

Grimm said some Obama supporters may not be happy with his performance on the economy, but the president has always been able to be seen as a likeable candidate. What Romney will need to do, Grimm said, is to give him a few blows.

"It's been a while since he's debated," Grimm said of Obama, noting his condescending remark toward then-candidate and current Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton during the 2008 Democratic primaries. "He does have that streak in him, and Romney has to rattle him a little bit."

Wade said he doesn't feel that Obama can afford to come off condescending, adding that he believes the public doesn't see the president as such. He said he sees him more as a humble candidate.

"He comes from very humble roots," Wade said

What both Grimm and Sweeney said Obama has to do is go after Romney as an unsuitable alternative.

Grimm said Romney's objective has to be to change the minds of those he disenfranchised after a recording of a private fundraiser was released that captured Romney's thoughts on 47 percent of people in this country.

"Romney's biggest challenge is to prove he's not just a rich guy," Grimm said. "He has to prove he cares about everyday people."

Sweeney said he doesn't believe the video was the death nail in Romney's campaign, but he said there are some things Romney will have to overcome in order to bring his base, independents and conservative Democrats to his side.

"He can't ignore Obama's record," Sweeney said. "He has to make the point that America is suffering and he can provide a vision that is real leadership."

The debate format will be something many haven't seen during this election season: An environment where prepared speeches and responses will have little room and where the candidates will be forced to rely on their knowledge.

"Candidates live in these controlled environments," Grimm said. "That's why they're both sweating it out so much because it's something they can't control. We will have a greater opportunity to get the unvarnished truth."